A fresh controversy has erupted within a faction of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, as the National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, seeks accountability for approximately N3.5 billion in party funds. Opara raised her concerns during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, attributing the funds to proceeds from form sales and other fundraising activities for the 2023 general elections.
Expressing her reservations, Opara stated, “With great reluctance and deep concern, I am compelled to publicly address the media regarding the egregious financial mismanagement and corruption that have plagued our beloved party under the leadership of Mr. Julius Abure, the current National Chairman.”
Highlighting her role as national treasurer, Opara lamented the failure of internal party mechanisms to hold Abure accountable for alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds. She claimed that Abure’s unchecked appetite for power undermined her duties and authority as outlined in the party’s constitution.
However, the Labour Party, in response to Opara’s allegations, dismissed them as malicious and suggested external influences on her stance. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, stated, “The attention of the leadership of the party has been drawn to a news conference by our National Treasurer, Ms Oluchi Opara, where she raised a number of allegations against the National Chairman, Julius Abure, bothering more on corruption and abuse of office.”
The party refuted the claims, asserting that Abure had not embezzled party funds and challenging Opara’s understanding of accounting. Emphasizing the party’s transparency, it noted the engagement of an external auditor and regular scrutiny by INEC and other regulatory bodies.
Responding to Opara’s allegation that Abure owns several properties, the party cited its constitution, which designates the National Chairman as the accounting officer and the National Treasurer’s responsibilities related to financial matters.
The Labour Party concluded its statement by indicating its intention to take Opara to the disciplinary committee for appropriate action against what it deemed as unfounded allegations.
